WASHINGTON — Over the decades, the cherry blossom trees in the nation’s capital have signaled the unofficial start of Washington, D.C.’s tourism season. This year, the iconic pinkish-white blooms are anticipated to peak between March 28 and 31, as estimated by the National Park Service, which oversees the care of the city’s 3,500 trees. The Cherry Blossom Festival is set to take place from March 20 through April 13.
The timing marks a departure from recent years, where climate change has often led to earlier blooms. After a particularly harsh winter in Washington, the peak bloom is arriving nearly a week later than in recent years, although still earlier than it did back in 2013, when blooms began around April 9.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser highlighted the economic impact of the festival, noting it draws substantial attention and financial activity to the city. Last year, festival attendance exceeded pre-pandemic levels for the first time, with approximately 1.6 million visitors generating over $200 million for local businesses, according to Diana Mayhew, the President of the Cherry Blossom Festival.
This year’s lineup includes a variety of events, such as the kite festival on March 29, a music and fireworks celebration called Petalpalooza on April 5, and the Cherry Blossom Festival Parade on April 12. Local restaurants will also feature an array of cherry blossom-themed offerings, from cocktails to desserts.
Originating from a gift of 3,000 trees from Tokyo’s mayor in 1912, the blossoms have significant Japanese ties. The Japanese government continues to participate in the trees’ maintenance and annual festival activities. This year, a Japanese Street Festival will take place on April 12 and 13, with the Japanese Embassy planning to contribute 250 more trees as a gesture marking the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence, according to Fumito Miyake, the Japanese embassy’s minister for public affairs.
Visitors will encounter restricted access to parts of the Tidal Basin due to a three-year project by the National Park Service. The effort aims to repair the aging seawall before next summer’s major anniversary event. This initiative necessitated the removal of over 100 trees, which will eventually be replanted.
Among the lost trees was Stumpy, a gnarled tree adored online. Although Stumpy was removed due to the renovations, clones exist and will be planted once the restoration concludes. In memory of Stumpy, a pedal-boat race is slated for March 20.
DC Cherry Blossoms Expected to Bloom in Late March
